| On April 8th at 9:24 a.m., the Gettysburg Fire Department and Adams Regional EMS were alerted to a vehicle fire in the National Cemetery parking lot off Taneytown Road. Assistant Chief 1 (Mizenko) responded and was informed by Adams 911 that the fire involved a trailer carrying spray foam insulation product.
Upon arrival, Assistant Chief 1 found a 10 x 20 spray foam insulation trailer with smoke visible. Engine 1-2 (Lt. Kuntz) with three personnel and Deputy Chief 1 arrived at the scene, deployed the front bumper line, and began extinguishing the fire after gaining access through the rear doors. Crews performed overhaul inside the trailer and secured the foam product. Assistant Chief 1 requested an additional engine company for manpower, bringing Engine 22 (Barlow) to the scene.
Further investigation determined the fire was caused by a faulty suspension system. The broken suspension allowed the tire to rub against the trailer while driving, generating excessive heat and igniting the fire.
The spray foam insulation product was non-toxic, but notification and response were required from Adams County Emergency Management Agency and Haz-Mat personnel from Franklin County Company 13 (Letterkenney) for consultation and cleanup. This was necessary because the product had entered a nearby storm drain and the incident occurred on federal property. Gettysburg Fire Department and Company 22 personnel conducted initial damming and diking of the storm drain.
Assistant Chief 1 Mizenko maintained command throughout the incident. |
